ID:
AI805
Duration (hours):
64
CFU:
8
SSD:
URBANISTICA
Located in:
PESCARA
Url:
ARCHITECTURE/CORSO GENERICO Year: 5
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 19/12/2025)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Educational Objectives of the Workshop
This 10-day intensive workshop aims to equip participants with the skills needed to develop a complex urban design project within a condensed timeframe, following a comprehensive and integrated approach. Emphasis will be placed on controlling the physical and morphological aspects of the project, with particular attention to environmental sustainability, social coherence, and economic and administrative feasibility.
The educational experience is structured as a professional simulation, where participants are challenged to work within real urban conditions—analyzing the physical, social, and regulatory characteristics of a site, and engaging with current planning tools and real estate market dynamics.
Structure and Phases of the Workshop
The workshop is organized into four main design phases, guiding participants through a step-by-step development process:
1. Context Analysis of the existing urban context, critical reading of the territory, identification of opportunities and constraints, and review of applicable urban planning tools and operational conditions.
2. Concept Development of a guiding design vision based on the interpretation of place and its needs. This phase involves defining strategic objectives and key actions.
3. Vision Translation of the concept into a structured proposal, including the definition of spatial frameworks, settlement strategies, the public space system, and environmental and social sustainability measures.
4. Masterplan Development of the final masterplan, including a general site plan, massing plan, key design parameters, and a physical model of the proposal.
Didactic Approach
The workshop is conceived as a hands-on project-based learning experience, where each group will be engaged in a complete design process—from initial analysis to the final masterplan. The creation of a physical model will allow for a tangible simulation of the proposal and support a critical assessment of its impact on the existing context.
The program includes lectures, collective reviews, design lab sessions, and interactive discussions with instructors and expert tutors from various disciplines.
Course Prerequisites
Having passed the exams in Urban Planning and Architectural Design.
Teaching Methods
A) Theoretical-Introductory Module (Concise)
The theoretical module, concentrated in the first days of the Summer School, provides essential tools for addressing the four design phases (Context, Concept, Vision, Masterplan). Through brief lectures and thematic talks, the following topics will be covered:
key elements for reading the urban, environmental, and social context;
strategies for developing a sustainable design vision;
principles for structuring urban space and infrastructural systems;
methods for project representation and communication.
B) Design Module (Workshop)
The design module involves the development of an urban proposal structured into four operational phases:
Context AnalysisCritical reading of the site and interpretation of its physical, environmental, and social conditions. Production of thematic maps and informative dossiers.
ConceptDevelopment of a guiding vision for the regeneration of the riverside space and its connected systems. Definition of general project goals and initial strategies.
Strategic Vision and Planning FrameworkConstruction of the overall design framework and definition of the settlement, infrastructural, and environmental structure. Evaluation of consistency with urban dynamics and public policies.
MasterplanFinal presentation of the project through summary boards, site plans, volumetric studies, a physical model, and a project narrative. Proposals will be assessed in terms of environmental, social, and urban quality impact.
The theoretical module, concentrated in the first days of the Summer School, provides essential tools for addressing the four design phases (Context, Concept, Vision, Masterplan). Through brief lectures and thematic talks, the following topics will be covered:
key elements for reading the urban, environmental, and social context;
strategies for developing a sustainable design vision;
principles for structuring urban space and infrastructural systems;
methods for project representation and communication.
B) Design Module (Workshop)
The design module involves the development of an urban proposal structured into four operational phases:
Context AnalysisCritical reading of the site and interpretation of its physical, environmental, and social conditions. Production of thematic maps and informative dossiers.
ConceptDevelopment of a guiding vision for the regeneration of the riverside space and its connected systems. Definition of general project goals and initial strategies.
Strategic Vision and Planning FrameworkConstruction of the overall design framework and definition of the settlement, infrastructural, and environmental structure. Evaluation of consistency with urban dynamics and public policies.
MasterplanFinal presentation of the project through summary boards, site plans, volumetric studies, a physical model, and a project narrative. Proposals will be assessed in terms of environmental, social, and urban quality impact.
Assessment Methods
The final examination session consists of a group presentation and discussion of the project outcomes.
This is a collective moment, held with the participation of guest critics, which allows the course instructors and tutors to observe the students’ work from a more objective perspective.
Each group member is required to present their individual contribution, respecting their speaking turns, and to respond to the critical feedback provided by the guest critics.
The final evaluation will be made by the instructor, based on the following criteria:
The project’s ability to respond to the needs identified during the course;
The project’s capacity to address the challenges that emerged from the urban analysis;
The morphological and aesthetic quality of the design proposal and its integration into the urban context;
The quality of the graphic representation of the project;
Each student’s ability to clearly and concisely present the project content using appropriate language.
Texts
Neutra, Richard Joseph. Survival through Design. New York: Oxford University Press, 1954.
Clark, A. & Chalmers, D. J. (1998). The Extended Mind. Analysis, 58(1), 7‑19. DOI: 10.1093/analys/58.1.7
Robinson, Sarah; Pallasmaa, Juhani; Zambelli, Matteo (a cura di). La mente in architettura: neuroscienze, incarnazione e futuro del design. Firenze: Firenze University Press, 2021. ISBN: 978-88-5518-286-7
Pallasmaa, Juhani. La mano che pensa. Trad. Matteo Zambelli. Pordenone: Safarà Editore, 2014. Collana La mano che pensa. 160 pp. ISBN 978‑889756113
Contents
The single-subject course, offered in the form of a 10-day Summer School, focuses on topics related to urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, medicine, and public health. The proposed multidisciplinary approach aims to integrate fluvial spaces and cycling networks, exploring their potential to create a coherent system of riverside spaces and infrastructure that promotes physical and mental well-being, while supporting cognitive processes through innovative and sustainable design.
As the river environment—including bike paths, greenways, and riverside spaces—has a significant impact on individuals, it can be considered an active participant in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences. This perspective aligns with the concept of the extended mind, which recognizes the environment’s role in supporting and amplifying human thought, behavior, and physical health.
Fluvial spaces and cycling networks offer unique opportunities to encourage physical activity—such as cycling, walking, and running—essential for cardiovascular health, weight management, and muscular strength. These spaces also help reduce sedentary lifestyles by incorporating physical activity into daily routines. Furthermore, exposure to natural environments, such as rivers and green areas, has been shown to reduce stress, boost immune function, and improve overall well-being.
It is therefore essential that urban planners, architects, landscape architects, and health professionals work together to design integrated systems that positively influence the interaction between individuals and the urban and natural landscape. A deeper understanding of how fluvial spaces and cycling infrastructure impact behavior, emotions, physical health, and well-being can lead to the creation of environments that foster a harmonious relationship between mind, body, and ecosystem. This approach not only enhances individual health and community vitality but also promotes sustainable urban development by combining insights and expertise from diverse disciplines to achieve integrated and long-lasting results.
Course Language
Italian
Degrees
Degrees
ARCHITECTURE
Single-cycle Master’s Degree
5 years
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People
People
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